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king, beyond a moderate share,'' Ian pointed out pacifically. "I had my portion, as did all who took part in the assault." |
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"Well, that is true enough," Leicester agreed. He had made his point and did not wish to embarrass his host and hostess. |
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"It was kind of you to warn me, Robert," Alinor said swiftly, before anyone could introduce another sensitive topic. "Now that I know, I shall put you all to work for your dinners. My huntsman has reported a fine boar lies up only a mile or two into my forest. Who will come with me to bring him down for the table?" |
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A chorus of enthusiastic response covered Ian's startled oath. "You will not go to hunt wild boar!" he exclaimed. |
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"No, of course not," Alinor assured him softly. At another time she might have teased him by insisting she would hunt with the men just to see how angry he would get before he realized she was teasing; but that was for private play. "I must ride out, of course, but I promise I will not dismount." |
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"Do not stay too near," Ian cautioned. "If the boar should break away wounded, he will go for a horse as quick as for a man. Peste! I wish I had more wits than to fall off my feet like a puling infant." |
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"Do not fret, love," Alinor murmured. "I will keep my huntsmen by me. No harm will come to me." |
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There was no time for Ian either to respond to Alinor's endearment or to urge her again to be careful. The offer of a hunt brought breakfast to an abrupt end. Men swallowed what remained in their goblets at a gulp if they still thirsted, and crammed the remainder of their bread and cheese into their mouths if they still hungered. Most simply left what remained before them and rose to fetch cloaks or to change their fine garments to coarser wear. |
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Salisbury lingered a moment to bend over Ian and |
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